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As more people build homes in flood-prone areas, the threat of widespread damage from a major storm grows. And as the threat increases, so does the cost to protect against storms. Here, developers in eastern St. Charles Parish built 4- to 5-foot levees around the Willowdale subdivision to protect against flooding from the canals that run past this 6,000-square-foot home. The levees offer some protection, but may be offset by the additional erosion and loss of wetlands created by the new development.
(PHOTO BY ELLIS LUCIA / The Times-Picayune)

It's growing costlier to live and do business in our hurricane-prone coastal home. And as a result, Louisiana's economy is feeling the pinch from just the threat of major damage.

Stories by John McQuaid and Mark SchlefteinStaff writersPhotos by Ellis LuciaStaff photographerGraphics by Daniel SwensonStaff artist

INSIDE PART 3

EXPOSURE'S COSTIn the wake of Sept. 11, insurance bills for risky areas - and Louisiana's coastal region is one of the riskiest - are stunning local officials.

BUILDING BETTERTougher building codes would ensure that more buildings in New Orleans would survive a catastrophic storm.

SEEKING SHELTERThree years after Hurricane Floyd, some North Carolinians still live in temporary housing.

FORUMS

Since the Katrina disaster, NOLA's neighborhood forums have been crucial in reuiniting families and neighbors, and providing vital communications.